Pattern Description:
Burda 7131, which is a coat with cape-like sleeves, is how I would describe it. It's loose-fitting, designed for no lining, although mine is lined.
Front Pattern
Back Pattern
Front and Back Views
Pattern Sizing:
10-22
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
No, because I modified mine for a girlfriend who is in a wheelchair, so I made the back of hers short, and then left the longer front pieces. I also added a hood from a different pattern (see below).
Were the instructions easy to follow?
WHAT??? There were INSTRUCTIONS? :o( I did look at them when necessary and didn't have any trouble.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I was looking for a pattern that would be easy for JoLyn to get on and wouldn't feel bunched up behind her while she was sitting in her chair, etc. You can hear my thought process here, if you're interested:
You Tube Video, Pattern and Plan
Fabric Used:
Marc Jacobs Double Faced Wool, Mood Fabrics
Kasha Coat Lining, Vogue Fabrics Store
I used a fusible horsehair interfacing that was in my stash. I'm not sure where I got it.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
1. Alterations made specific for JoLyn:
Shorter in back.
No center back seam.
Added a lining, so she can easily slide the coat on.
Made her cuff or "sleeve band" half its designed width, in the hopes that the sleeves won't drag on her wheels as she's propelling herself.
You Tube Video, Planned Alterations
2. Pockets:
Here's a picture that shows you the directions for the pockets, on which I've marked which pieces are which:
Pocket Sections.
You Tube video showing how I added the trim to the pockets:
You Tube Video, Pockets
3. Lining:
This shows you how I taped (or pinned, I should say) my pattern pieces to form the lining pieces:
You Tube Video, Lining Pieces
When sewing in the lining, I did it WRONG, WRONG, WRONG, and I tried to show you view video how I backed my way out of that, but it got so confusing, I decided it would do more harm than good. So I'm trying to recap here how it SHOULD be done right the first time, just for the novelty of it all. :o)
First of all, when I made my front lining, I cut out my front lining piece as shown in the You Tube Clip. Then I sewed my facing to that front lining piece. Before I sewed the facing to the lining, I had already fused my interfacing to the facing, which I did in a manner similar to the "tip" that I've linked above. This makes for a clean edge on the interfacing, and I just stitched that right down on top of the front lining piece.
Finished edge of front facing, before it's stitched to front lining.
Facing pinned to front lining, ready to stitch.
So, basically, I had my front lining piece sewn together, I laid my finished facing right over the top of it and stitched them together. From the underneath side, then, I trimmed away the portion of the lining section that was underneath the front facing.
Then go ahead and sew your front and back lining pieces together.
When you're sewing the lining to your coat, you can start sewing right sides together at the "waist seam" in the front (the point where the pocket section begins), stitch all the way down and around the front piece, up the front, around the neck, back down the front and around the other side of the bottom front, then end at that same waist seam on the other side. What you're doing is you're leaving open the entire sleeve area.
In the back, from the point where the sleeves meet the bottom back, you can stitch around the bottom of the back (and leave an opening for turning). Again, you're leaving open that entire sleeve section.
You can turn and press those sections.
Now attach your cuff sections and continue as follows:
You Tube Clip, Finishing Lining (starting with cuffs).
3. Hood:
I used the hood pattern from a Sandra Betzina pattern, and then I added buttonholes around the bottom edge of the hood to button it to the coat around the neck. That way, she can take it off when she doesn't want it.
Vogue 1097, pattern used for hood.
Two pattern pieces form the hood.
Hood instructions 1
Hood instructions 2
4. Finished Coat:
Side View
Back View
Gives you an idea of what the coat looks like before the bottom front sections are added - very cute!
Coordinating Gloves and Mittens
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
This particular coat became quite tedious, due to the bulk of the fabric and the lining I added. There may have been an easier way to add the lining (in other words, I could have done it WRONG). :o) The EASIEST way would be to make two jackets, one out of wool, one out of lining, slip them together, wrong sides together, then sew a foldover binding around the edges. EASY. I never HAVE any foldover binding, though, and don't seem to be able to find any that I like very much online.
Anyway, all that being said, I think this is a really cute pattern, relatively simple to sew (especially with no lining), and one that doesn't require a lot of fitting. The bottom portion of the sleeves, the "cape" portion, is long enough that you don't feel like you're in a straightjacket, either. That's always a good thing. (They're coming to take me away, ha-ha, ho-ho, hee-hee.)
|
|Login|Help]
to add a link
Pattern with more than 5 reviews!
What a clever woman you are! This coat is beautiful and perfect for its intended use. Your friend will feel like a queen in her soft pink coat. I love the video sections. Aren't you so tech savvy!
11/25/12 3:34 PM
I can say this whole review equals an advanced sewing workshop featuring many, many techniques. I especially enjoying seeing the demonstration videos and understanding your reasoning behind the sewing decisions. I'm further impressed with your precise work but I guess that's why your garments are so professionally sewn. The fabic, workmanship and style of the coat is just outstanding. Your friend Jolyn is a lucky lady. And what a generous warm gift for you to make for your friend!
11/25/12 4:09 PM
Annette, this coat is a work of art! You have put so much thought into each and every detail to make it more "user friendly" for JoLyn. What a very special friend you are to put so much of yourself and your time into a gift. She is going to cherish this coat forever. I don't doubt that! You are such a dear friend and so very thoughtful and generous. I just wish I could be there when you give this lovely and very beautiful creation to JoLyn! :-)
11/25/12 4:33 PM
I second what everyone else said! It's so nice to see what you're doing these days! The coat is lovely and so very thoughtful.
11/25/12 5:33 PM
Wow! This coat is beautiful and so well thought out. Great job! I LOVE the fabric. As usual your review was very informative. Thanks for taking the time to write such a detailed review.
11/25/12 5:35 PM
Sharp! I love this and great review info.
11/25/12 6:16 PM
I was just contemplating those woolens by Marc Jacobs at Mood. Nice to see it! Very cute coat.
11/25/12 7:24 PM
Where can I rate this review EXTRAORDINARY? Annette the Jacket Queen, you have certainly outdone yourself. I enjoyed those videos so much and hope you'll continue to include them in future reviews, although I feel selfish to write that because it must have taken a lot of extra time. What a treat to hear your thought process and to see it all in action. And little Bucky appearing as a bonus! This is a beautiful, thoughtful and heartfelt gift for your lucky friend.
11/25/12 7:30 PM
I love this coat, and especially love following your process. Great review!
11/25/12 8:01 PM
WOW! I agree...work of art, as well as a labor of love. This is simply gorgeous! Your reveiw is outstanding, too. And thanks for the "anti-frump" vote on my sweater set! You're a doll!
11/25/12 11:59 PM
Great looking jacket/ cape. How wonderful of you to make this for your friend. I'm sure she will feel so special when she receives it. Thank you for the outstanding review. Even if I never make this garment, the information you have included is so informative and helpful. I always look forward to your reviews, but you really outdid yourself here! :-)
11/26/12 0:47 AM
Wow great review even without the video. And an inspiration to all of us. AND a beautiful result from an interesting pattern. Thanks for all of it!
11/26/12 8:20 AM
Great redesign of the coat and such a wonderful gift! Thanks for the very helpful review, too!
11/26/12 9:36 AM
Very nice review! I think you will appreciate that I have the same fabric in another color to make doggie coats! That aside, your friend must be thrilled with her coat. It is beautiful.
11/26/12 10:08 AM
How beautifully this turned out Annette, in spite of the heavy fabric, tricky lining, designing changes. Yes, what a clever woman you are!!!! Even though my internet service is dismal right now, I still enjoyed some of your youtube tutorials and thought processes. You are so thoughtful to create such a lovely gift for your friend.
11/26/12 9:05 PM
Annette, I am so blown away by your new video reviews. How fabulous! I was dying to know how to managed to make the videos and then, in the first clip, when you mentioned how you were doing it, I was laughing out loud. Such a clever woman! I was also very moved by the project itself and your extreme kindness. It is beautiful and I hope Jolyn enjoys your labors for many years. It is such a cheerful, beautiful coat. You are such a class act!
12/1/12 10:21 PM